Does Norwegian Cruise Line Offer Drink Packages?

When planning a cruise vacation, many travelers wonder about the cost of drinks onboard. While meals are generally included in the base fare, beverages such as soda, specialty coffee, cocktails, wine, and bottled water are often not. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), one of the leading names in the cruise industry, offers a variety of drink packages designed to provide flexibility, convenience, and savings for guests who want to enjoy beverages without constantly worrying about the bill.

The cruise line’s drink packages are part of its signature Freestyle Cruising concept, which emphasizes freedom and choice. Whether you enjoy a morning cappuccino, refreshing sodas by the pool, or evening cocktails at a bar, Norwegian has packages to suit different drinking preferences and budgets.

This article will explore everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink packages, including the different types available, pricing, what’s included, restrictions, and tips to help you get the best value from them.

What Are Drink Packages on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Drink packages are optional upgrades that allow passengers to enjoy beverages throughout their cruise without paying for each drink individually. Instead of signing a receipt every time you order a soda, cocktail, or coffee, you simply show your cruise card, and the drink is covered by your package.

These packages are particularly popular among guests who:

Enjoy multiple drinks each day.
Want to budget more easily by paying upfront.
Prefer the convenience of unlimited access.
Appreciate the flexibility of choosing drinks from a wide variety of options.

Types of Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line offers several drink packages tailored to different guest preferences. They range from soda-only plans to premium packages that include cocktails, wine, and bottled water.

1. Premium Beverage Package

This is NCL’s most popular drink package, covering a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Includes:

Cocktails, spirits, and mixed drinks priced up to a certain value.
Draft and bottled beer.
A large selection of wines by the glass.
Sodas and soft drinks.
Bottled still and sparkling water.
Fresh juices (excluding those from juice bars).
Non-specialty coffee and teas.

Best For: Guests who want access to a wide range of alcoholic beverages without worrying about per-drink costs.

2. Premium Plus Beverage Package

The Premium Plus option is an upgrade that covers almost everything available at bars, restaurants, and lounges onboard.

Includes:

All items in the Premium Beverage Package.
Unlimited top-shelf spirits and high-end cocktails.
Premium wines by the glass and bottled wines.
Bottled water (both still and sparkling).
Specialty coffees (such as lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos).
Fresh juices from juice bars.
Energy drinks.

Best For: Guests who enjoy premium liquor brands, fine wines, specialty coffees, and bottled water.

3. Soda Package (Coke Package)

Not every passenger wants alcohol. For children, teens, and adults who prefer soft drinks, the Soda Package provides unlimited soda throughout the cruise.

Includes:

Unlimited fountain soda options.
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and other Coca-Cola products.

Best For: Families with kids, teens, or soda enthusiasts.

4. Starbucks Package (available on select ships)

Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered with Starbucks to provide branded specialty coffees at sea.

Includes:

Unlimited Starbucks drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, Frappuccinos, teas, and more.
Both hot and cold options.

Best For: Coffee lovers who want Starbucks beverages daily.

5. Corks and Caps Wine and Beer Package (limited availability)

This package is sometimes offered on certain itineraries.

Includes:

A selection of draft and bottled beers.
Wines by the glass.
Unlimited fountain soda and juices.

Best For: Guests who mainly drink beer and wine and do not need spirits or cocktails.

Pricing for Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages

While pricing can vary depending on ship, itinerary, and promotions, here is a general breakdown:

Premium Beverage Package – Typically around $109 per person, per day, plus service charges.
Premium Plus Beverage Package – Usually about $138 per person, per day, plus service charges.
Soda Package – Around $9 to $13 per person, per day, depending on age.
Starbucks Package – About $12 to $15 per person, per day.

It is important to note that an automatic service charge (gratuity) of around 20 percent is added at the time of purchase.

Restrictions and Rules of Drink Packages

While drink packages provide excellent value, there are some important rules to know:

Age Requirements – Passengers must be of legal drinking age (21 in the United States, 18 in Europe and other regions) to purchase alcohol packages.
All Adults in a Cabin – If one adult purchases an alcoholic drink package, all other adults in the same cabin must also purchase it, preventing sharing.
Drink Limits – Although packages are called unlimited, Norwegian enforces a rule of 15 alcoholic drinks per day per guest. Non-alcoholic drinks remain unlimited.
Excluded Items – Some specialty beverages, rare wines, and select premium spirits may not be covered unless you purchase the Premium Plus plan.
Bottled Liquor – Drink packages do not include bottles of alcohol purchased at duty-free shops or for in-room consumption.

Promotions and Discounts: Free at Sea

Norwegian Cruise Line frequently runs promotions called Free at Sea, which allow guests to select complimentary perks when booking. One of the most popular perks is a Free Open Bar package, which essentially provides the Premium Beverage Package for the duration of your cruise.

However, even when the package is “free,” guests are still responsible for paying the daily gratuity charges. Despite this, it remains a fantastic deal for those who plan to drink regularly.

Tips for Maximizing Value with Drink Packages

Calculate Your Daily Average – If you typically enjoy 4 to 6 drinks per day, the Premium Beverage Package may be worth it.
Take Advantage of Specialty Coffees – If you choose Premium Plus, don’t forget it includes lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks.
Remember the Service Charges – Factor in the gratuities when budgeting.
Try Different Bars – Norwegian ships have numerous themed bars and lounges. Drink packages let you sample them all without added cost.
Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water along with alcoholic beverages. Premium Plus includes bottled water, making it a great perk.
Use Promotions – Booking during Free at Sea promotions can save hundreds of dollars.

Comparing Drink Packages

PackageIncluded DrinksBest For

Premium Beverage PackageCocktails, spirits, wine, beer, soda, water, coffee, teaMost guests who drink alcohol daily

Premium Plus Beverage PackageEverything in Premium plus top-shelf liquor, bottled wine, Starbucks, juicesGuests who enjoy premium brands and variety

Soda PackageUnlimited fountain sodasFamilies and non-alcohol drinkers

Starbucks PackageUnlimited Starbucks drinksCoffee enthusiasts

Corks and CapsBeer, wine, sodaGuests who stick to beer and wine

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Norwegian Cruise Line offer unlimited drink packages?

Yes, Norwegian offers unlimited drink packages, including alcohol, soda, and coffee options.

2. Are drink packages worth it?

For guests who consume multiple drinks per day, drink packages can offer excellent value.

3. Can one person in a cabin buy a drink package?

No, if one adult buys an alcoholic drink package, all adults in the same cabin must purchase it as well.

4. Are gratuities included in drink packages?

No, an additional service charge (around 20 percent) is added at purchase.

5. Are drink packages included in Free at Sea?

Yes, the Premium Beverage Package is often included as a Free at Sea perk, but gratuities still apply.

Conclusion

Norwegian Cruise Line does indeed offer a variety of drink packages that can enhance the onboard experience. From the Premium Beverage Package covering most cocktails and wines to the Premium Plus option with top-shelf spirits and Starbucks drinks, there is something for everyone. Non-alcoholic packages such as the Soda Package and Starbucks Package also ensure that kids, teens, and coffee lovers are not left out.

For many travelers, purchasing a drink package provides not only financial value but also peace of mind, knowing they can order drinks freely without worrying about daily bills. With Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotions, many guests can even enjoy these packages as part of their booking deal.

Ultimately, whether a drink package is right for you depends on your personal drinking habits and preferences. But one thing is certain—Norwegian Cruise Line makes it easy for every guest to find a package that enhances their cruise vacation.